I seem to be stuck in a recycling ancient wisdom groove, but Jim Lehrer who presents NewsHour recently gave a speech where he laid down his journalism guidelines.

I know it might sound a tad sanctimonious, but I like it!

• Do nothing I cannot defend.
• Cover, write, and present every story with the care I would want if the story were about me.
• Assume there is at least one other side or version to every story.
• Assume the viewer is as smart, and as caring, and as good a person as I am.
• Assume the same about all people on whom I report.
• Assume personal lives are a private matter unless a legitimate turn in the story absolutely mandates otherwise.
• Carefully separate opinion and analysis from straight news stories and clearly label everything.
• Do not use anonymous sources or blind quotes except on rare and monumental occasions.
• No one should ever be allowed to attack another anonymously.
• And finally, I am not in the entertainment business.

Hat tip to Tim Bonnemann.